Local MP fights heart disease by ramping up the red during PMQs

February 6, 2014 3:33 PM

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake supported the British Heart Foundation (BHF) during Prime Minister's Questions by wearing their heart-shaped pin after visiting the BHF's first ever pop-up shop in the Palace of Westminster.

Earlier in the week, Mr. Brake met shop staff and volunteers to hear how BHF shops raise vital funds for life-saving research and researchers from Tom's old university - Imperial College - working on heart disease. During the visit, Tom added his voice to the call for people to Ramp up the Red this February.

On the 7 February, the BHF are urging the public to Ramp up the Red by wearing something red, hosting a red-themed party, or baking some red-coloured treats. After his trip to the pop-up shop, Tom was inspired to join in too and sported the iconic red BHF logo during PMQs.

Tom said: "I am delighted to help raise awareness of heart disease by taking part in Ramp up the Red. I urge the public to join me on Friday 7th February and help to beat a devastating disease which can affect anyone of all ages."

"By popping up in Parliament, the BHF has reminded us of the essential role their shops play in raising much needed funds for life-saving research."

Coronary heart disease is the UK's single biggest killer, responsible for almost 74,000 deaths in the UK each year, an average of 200 people each day. There are currently 2.3 million people in the UK living with coronary heart disease.

Mike Taylor, Retail Director at the BHF, said "We wanted to show MPs just how important our shops are - without our shop staff, including 23,000 volunteers across the UK, we simply couldn't continue our life-saving work.

"It is fantastic to see Tom showing his support and ramping up the red. All the money raised on 7 February will help us truly fight for every heartbeat."

The British Heart Foundation has two shops on Woodcote Road in Wallington. Tom will be visiting both of these shops next month to see their great work first-hand.

For more information about Ramp up the Red or to donate please visit bhf.org.uk/red.